Flood Alert System Implementation: Unexpected Questions You Will Want to Ask

The City of Madison, Wisconsin was selected for a smart utility demonstration project. Intel® provided a grant to INTERA Incorporated and Isle Utilities to review current technologies and data streams for visual interpretation. The United States Geological Survey developed and installed the sensor network. The City of Madison provided the locations of chronic flooding, access to the right-of-way to install the sensors, and staff to help facilitate the work. Installation of the sensors began in April 2022. Since then, 35 sensors, collecting data at 5-minute increments, have been installed. Setting up a new system, such as a smart utility, in a municipality like the City of Madison has its unique challenges. Challenges include integration of the system with existing City Information Technologies, checking the system for risk and legal implications, and understanding the right people and agencies to alert at the right time.